How to Make a Vinegar Foot Soak (2024)

Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help slow foot fungus, prevent foot odor, and soothe dry feet.

We demand a lot from our feet. They carry our bodies around all day, often from within uncomfortable shoes. It’s no wonder many of us end up with blisters, pain, odor, and fungus, like athlete’s foot.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to your woes, and it can be found in your kitchen.

Vinegar is a diluted form of acetic acid that’s both versatile and harmless. We use it to cook and clean — and to treat our tired, aching, stinky feet.

Acetic acid has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Vinegar may slow the growth of some types of foot fungus and skin infections.

A 2020 study suggests that distilled white vinegar is effective in treating Sarocladium kiliense, a fungus found in soil that may cause a skin disease called mycetoma.

NOTE: You should avoid the treatments listed below if you have diabetes. People with diabetes should have a healthcare team treat any foot issues.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the toes. The toes appear red and the skin may peel. Athlete’s foot often burns and itches.

For mild forms of this condition, a vinegar soak might work well. The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people with toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides.

You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms. Improved symptoms indicate that you’ve treated the fungal infection long enough.

It might be a good idea to soak your socks in vinegar as well.

There aren’t any high quality studies that show vinegar is highly effective. Vinegar isn’t effective for all types of fungus, but there’s little risk in trying this home treatment.

If the symptoms don’t improve, or if they worsen or spread up the foot, you should seek medical attention. If you note increased dryness and cracking, you may need to decrease your soaking to a couple of times per week instead of daily.

Vinegar can also disinfect the feet. This helps eliminate or reduce foot odor by getting rid of the bacteria that make them smell.

Before soaking, wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water. Then relax with your feet in a vinegar soak.

In addition to soaking, lifestyle choices are important to consider when treating foot odor.

For example, try wearing shoes made of leather or canvas. These allow your feet to breathe, unlike shoes made from plastic materials. Also, wear breathable cotton or wool socks. When you’re at home, go barefoot.

Quick tips

  • Wear breathable cotton or wool socks.
  • Wear canvas or leather shoes, which allow your feet to breathe.
  • Go barefoot when you’re at home.

Vinegar is a mild exfoliator, so you can also use it to treat callouses and warts. After soaking, you can file your feet with a pumice stone to help get rid of hardened skin.

You can also apply vinegar directly to the affected areas with a cotton ball.

Vinegar foot soaks can also soothe dry, cracked feet. Use cool water, as hot water can dry out your skin. Soak nightly, then moisturize your feet and put on socks.

Soaking too often or for too long may cause your feet to get even drier, so use this soak sparingly for dry and cracked feet.

Vinegar will not hurt your feet, but you should still dilute it for a foot soak. Generally, using 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water is a good ratio.

If you’re tolerating the diluted vinegar soaks, and not noticing any difference, you can use a stronger soak.

While the soak will smell strong, the odor will dissipate after the vinegar dries from your feet. You can also use essential oils to change the scent slightly.

Vinegar is an inexpensive and easy-to-find remedy for a variety of foot ailments. Not to mention, soaking your feet after a long day can be quite relaxing.

How to Make a Vinegar Foot Soak (2024)

FAQs

What do you mix with vinegar to soak your feet? ›

filling a basin with 1 cup of vinegar. adding 2 cups of warm water. continuing to add 1 part vinegar, 2 parts water until the basin is full. soaking feet for 10 to 20 minutes.

Can you soak feet in just vinegar? ›

It can help control infections, neutralize bad odors, soften the skin, hydrate feet, and calm itching. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acids and antifungal ingredients that can help regulate the pH balance of our skin. Simply add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.

How do you make a vinegar foot bath? ›

Vinegar has disinfecting properties that help to get rid of the bacteria that make your feet smell. Prepare a foot bath solution by mixing two parts of water and one part of white vinegar and a few drops of thyme essential oil. Soak your smelly feet in this solution for about 15-20 minutes.

What is the ratio of vinegar to water for foot fungus? ›

Dilute vinegar soaks can help with mild cases of foot fungus (tinea pedis). Both white vinegar and apple cider varieties will work. Add about one cup of vinegar to each gallon of water and soak your feet for 15 minutes per day until the symptoms improve.

Can you put vinegar directly on toenail fungus? ›

The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.

What kind of vinegar kills fungus? ›

The results of the study show that apple cider vinegar is the most economical product to treat Candidiasis and other fungal infections.

Is it better to soak your feet in apple cider vinegar or white vinegar? ›

Podiatrists Swear By Using an Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak To Smooth Dry, Cracked Feet.

What kind of vinegar is best for toenail fungus? ›

Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. If you want to treat your fungus using ACV, you can soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and the vinegar for about 15 minutes, twice a day.

Does soaking feet in vinegar help with pain? ›

Soaking Your Feet in Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy for a wide variety of ailments – including plantar fasciitis. How it works: Mix one cup of apple cider vinegar and 6 cups of warm water in a tub or container. Submerge aching feet and soak for 30 minutes.

What is the best foot soak for fungus? ›

Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 2 cups of water and soak a cotton ball in it.

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in bath? ›

When it comes to using vinegar baths for the human body, apple cider vinegar is often the preferred choice. This is because it has a more natural acidity that is closer to the pH of the human body. White vinegar, on the other hand, can be too harsh and can disrupt the natural balance of the skin.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus? ›

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time.

What kills foot fungus naturally? ›

Here are six of the best natural remedies:
  1. White Vinegar. White vinegar other wise known as Acetic Acid can help eliminate fungus when diluted in lukewarm water. ...
  2. Listerine and White Vinegar. ...
  3. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  4. Urea Paste. ...
  5. Pau D'arco Tea. ...
  6. Vicks VapoRub. ...
  7. Time.
May 5, 2017

How do you use vinegar for skin fungus? ›

Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. You could mix two tablespoons in warm water and drink it up or dip a cotton ball in it and dab over your skin. Doing this thrice a day should produce beneficial results.

What is the best foot soak for bacteria? ›

Soak your feet in a mixture of Epsom salts and water, or vinegar and water. With Epsom salts, combine half a cup in a tub of warm water and soak your feet for 15 minutes. The salts will pull the moisture out of your skin, which makes for a less than ideal environment for the bacteria.

What can I soak my feet in naturally for infection? ›

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

A study in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, does have antifungal abilities when used on the skin. To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day.

How do you get rid of thick dead skin on your feet? ›

They can do this by following the steps below:
  1. Soak the feet in warm water to soften the dead skin.
  2. Wet the pumice stone or foot file with warm water.
  3. Gently rub the pumice stone or foot file over the dead skin or callus. ...
  4. Rinse the dead skin off the feet. ...
  5. Pat the feet dry with a clean towel.
Apr 9, 2019

Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that isn't meant for killing toenail fungus. This medication is for treating cuts, burns and scrapes. But according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hydrogen peroxide can kill some types of fungi, such as yeasts and moulds.

What kills toe fungus the fastest? ›

The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.

Can Vicks VapoRub treat toenail fungus? ›

Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”

How long does it take to get rid of toenail fungus with vinegar? ›

The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people with toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.

Can fungus survive in vinegar? ›

Household white vinegar typically contains about 5 to 8 percent acetic acid. Acetic acid is a moderately strong acid with a pH of around 2.5 that can disrupt the growth of a wide range of fungi and other microorganisms.

How I cured my toenail fungus? ›

Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.

Is peroxide good for soaking feet? ›

Soaking your feet in hydrogen peroxide can kill any potentially harmful bacteria and foot fungus. It can also help to reduce odor-causing bacteria and soften calluses and corns. If you want to use hydrogen peroxide on your feet, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts warm water.

Do you rinse feet after apple cider vinegar soak? ›

Rinse and Dry: After soaking, rinse your feet with clean water to remove any residual vinegar. Thoroughly dry your feet with a towel to prevent any fungal growth.

Can you mix Epsom salt and vinegar? ›

You can get relief from tired aching feet by following this easy remedy. Prepare by adding one cup each of Epsom salt, sea salt and vinegar in a large tub. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.

Will baking soda and vinegar get rid of toenail fungus? ›

Baking soda works by removing excess moisture from your feet, a common cause of toenail fungus. While this home remedy has been shown to reduce fungal growth, it doesn't completely get rid of the fungus.

What is the white stuff under my toenail? ›

Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.

How do you know when toenail fungus is healing? ›

Nail fungus can be resistant to treatment and nails take a long time to grow out, so it can take several weeks or months for an infection to be fully resolved. You will know that the treatment is working and the infection is clearing up when you see growth of a new, healthy nail from the base of the nail bed.

How much vinegar do I soak my feet in? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
  1. Add 1/3 cup full strength ACV.
  2. Add 2 cups hot water.
  3. Add 1/3 cup Epsom salt.
  4. Optional: Mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

How many minutes should I soak my feet in vinegar? ›

To soak your feet using vinegar, mix two parts warm or hot water with one part vinegar in a tub or bowl. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes once a week. What are the health benefits of vinegar? Vinegar has natural antibacterial properties, so bacteria have a hard time growing on your skin.

What happens when you soak your feet in vinegar and Epsom salt? ›

The vinegar helps kill bacteria which reduces foot odor. It may also slow the growth of bacteria. Add a few drops of olive oil to warm water for a hydrating foot soak.

What is the best DIY foot soak for toenail fungus? ›

Soak Your Feet in Baking Soda and Vinegar

By adding one cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and 5 tablespoons of baking soda to a water bath, you are preventing fungus from growing or thriving. This combination works as an alkaline, reducing the ability of the fungus to grow and spread.

What is the best foot soak for thick toenails? ›

Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice daily can help ease symptoms. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects.

What ingredient kills foot fungus? ›

Tea Tree Oil

It's a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments.

Do you rinse off after a vinegar bath? ›

When adding vinegar to your bath, Healthline suggests filling the bath with warm water versus hot and then adding two cups of apple cider vinegar. After soaking for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse the vinegar water off and wash with soap if you wish.

What is a proper vinegar bath? ›

Fill your tub with warm or hot water and add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Once you are finished, let the apple cider vinegar water dry on your skin. If the smell is too much, rinse off in the shower afterwards.

What does soaking in white vinegar do? ›

Vinegar soaks are used to treat inflamed, red, weepy, blistering type conditions of the skin. I commonly use this to treat sunburns, Shingles, eczema, and other exudative conditions of the skin. Vinegar contains acetic acid which kills fungi and bacteria such as pseudomonas.

How do you get rid of thick toenails fast? ›

Treatment options for thick nails include:
  1. prescription creams or ointments.
  2. oral medications.
  3. laser therapy or light therapy.
  4. injections.
  5. surgery to remove the nail and allow it to regrow.
May 11, 2022

How do I get rid of thick skin under my toenails? ›

A doctor can prescribe a topical corticosteroid if you have nail psoriasis. This treatment, which is applied to the nails, can help manage skin thickening. Antifungal medication. If you have a fungal infection, the thick skin under the nail may get better with antifungal medication.

Why is toenail fungus so hard to get rid of? ›

Although the fungus affects the appearance of the nails, it actually lives on the layer directly beneath the toenail. That's why it's so difficult to treat. Your nails are made up of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. The same hard shell that protects your toes is giving shelter to the fungus.

How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to get rid of fungus? ›

Kill mold and mildew

Mold and mildew can build up quickly in the moist environment of a shower stall. To kill them without having to breathe in toxic bleach fumes, spray with undiluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.

What happens if you put hydrogen peroxide on a fungal infection? ›

You don't have to throw away that hydrogen peroxide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can kill viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungi and spores.

What not to do with foot fungus? ›

Fungal Toenails: What NOT to Do
  1. Don't Go Barefoot in Public Places. ...
  2. Don't Wear Sweaty Shoes and Socks. ...
  3. Don't Share. ...
  4. Don't Ignore Fungal Skin Infections. ...
  5. Don't Clip Your Nails Too Short … ...
  6. … ...
  7. Don't Get a Pedicure From a Spa You Don't Trust 100% ...
  8. Don't Wait to Get Treatment.
Jul 16, 2019

Does soaking feet in vinegar help fungus? ›

As vinegar has antifungal properties, soaking the feet daily in a vinegar foot bath could help fight off fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.

How long to leave vinegar on skin? ›

Face Mask

Let it sit for five to 10 minutes for sensitive skin or 15 to 30 minutes for normal skin before rinsing with cool water and applying a moisturizer.

Is baking soda and vinegar good for fungus? ›

The second remedy is a baking soda and vinegar soak. Baking soda can prevent fungus from growing and spreading. Vinegar is a weak acid and will help to kill off the fungus without altering the Ph level.

What is the best homemade foot soak for toenail fungus? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar: Use the following mixture – 1/3 cup white vinegar, 2 cups hot water, and 1/3 cup Epsom salt. Make sure to soak your entire foot for 30 minutes once a day. Taking apple cider vinegar orally may also have some beneficial health effects by working against the fungus from the inside out.

What is the best thing to soak your feet in for fungus? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt

Mix and soak your toes/feet for at least 30 minutes every day. Apple cider vinegar is also a good supplement to take internally for overall health and to promote healing of fungus and bacteria from the inside out.

Is vinegar and baking soda good to soak your feet in? ›

baking soda and vinegar bath

Vinegar is a great addition to a foot soak because it helps remove foot odor. It also keeps fungal infections at bay from its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

What kills toenail fungus the fastest? ›

The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.

What can I soak my feet in for severe toenail fungus? ›

Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to 2 cups of water and soak a cotton ball in it.

What kills foot fungus fast? ›

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.

How do you get rid of toenail fungus permanently? ›

Taking antifungal pills for two months can cure an infection under the fingernails. Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.

What is the fastest home remedy for foot fungus? ›

A study in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, does have antifungal abilities when used on the skin. To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water. Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day.

Can you soak your feet in vinegar and hydrogen peroxide? ›

In a large basin, combine warm water, apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. When the vinegar and peroxide are combined at full strength, it creates peracetic acid. This acid helps to loosen and soften all the dry skin on your feet.

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